Improving Health and Safety: Electrical Hazard Reduction by Reorganization of Electrical Power Room

The company produces approximately 250.000 bricks every month. In order to maintain this production, the mechanical system depends on energy supply. The power source installed did not meet technical or safety standards to guarantee the continuous power supply without electrical or labor risks. The company decided to adapt the electrical facilities in order to guarantee operations without electrical or labor risks that could affect production.

Problems and causes

The machinery that operates with electrical power is the mill, the mixer, transporting bands and the extruder that together make production possible. If there is an electrical short circuit, two production days would be affected (around 26.000 bricks), production would be behind schedule and compliance with clients’ orders would be affected. The power source installed did not meet technical or safety conditions as it was flooded every time it rained and there was no adequate organization of the cables or the power control. This put production and employee safety at risk.

Actions taken within the enterprise (after application of the PREMA GHK guide)

Installation of better insulation and an improved system for water evacuation;

Better organization of the cables;

Signaling of power sources and access signaling;

Disposal of the waste that is stored in the room;

Installation of appropriate lighting;

Appointment of a responsible person for maintenance of the room.

Economic benefits

Investment

COL$265.000 (NGN148)*

Labor cost and materials for adaptation of the power room

Yearly Savings

COL$2.600.000 (NGN 1.448)

Opportunity cost of losing the production of 26.000 bricks in case of electrical failure.

Operational Costs

COL$0 (NGN 0)

Pay Back Time

1-2 months

*Ex rate as per November 2008

Occupational health and safety improvements

With these measures accidents through electric shocks are prevented. Signaling and better organization of the workplace are important elements of control of occupational health and safety.